
PS 3503 
. R53 S5 


O PLAYS EXCHANGED. 


— 1 ‘iher’.s Edition 


SIX TIMES NINE 

Price, 25 Cents 



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A Comedy in Two Acts 

For Female Characters Only 


By 

GLADYS RUTH BRIDGHAM 

, 

Author of w A Case for Sherlock Holmes u Leave 
it to Polly f u A Regular Screametc . 


o 


o 


« 


BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 

1914 



Six Times Nine 


CHARACTERS 

(As originally produced in Unitarian Hally Somerville, Mass., April 8 , ) 


Princess Vara of Wollenholde 
Countess Alexis, her aunt . 

Countess Yvonne, her cousin 
Freda, her maid . 

Lurine Raje 

Mrs. Avery Hamilton Hapgood 
MassU. S. A. . 

Winifred Tufton 1 

Lucy Simpson ! Pupils in Mrs. Hap - 

Molly Andrews j good’s Seminary 

Amelia Lee J 

Delia, Mrs. Hapgood's maid 


of Concord, 


Miss Bridgham. 
. Phyllis Noyes. 
. Edna Noyes. 
Katherine Beale. 
Lucile Hadley. 


<1 


Helen Taber. 
" Beatrice Simmons. 
Helen Anderson. 
Grace Taylor. 
Helen Goudie. 
Marion Wheeler, 


SYNOPSIS 

Act I. Garden of Prince Felix’s hunting lodge, Holienelbe 
Mountains, Principality of Wollenholde. 

Act II. Room in the lodge. Evening of the same day. 

By changing the dialogue of the first act a very little, the 
play may be carried through with one interior setting. 

Time in Playing. —One and a half hours. 



§)Ci.D 37870 

AUG I7I9J4 

Kv/ 







COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS 


Princess Vara should be rather small, very pretty and girlish 
in her ways. 

Freda should have very light hair and wear a dress of Dutch 
blue with a white apron and white pointed cap. Wooden shoes 
may be worn if desired. - 

Lurine should be dark and wear a peasant’s dress of bright 
colors. 

Mrs. Hapgood should be very stout and represented as being 
about forty. 

In the second act all but Lurine and the maids wear evening 
dresses. 


3 








N 


r 



Six Times Nine 


ACT I 

SCENE.— A garden. If possible there should be a large tree 
in the center of the stage with a garden seat under the tree. 
A vine with roses in bloo7?i clmibs over the trunk of the tree 
and up i?ito the branches. A small willow table r. White 
cover on the table. Willow chair at the table and another 
chair l. of stage. 

(Countess Alexis sits at the table 7vriting. She rings a 
small bell o?i the table. Freda e7iters l.) 

Alex. Tell the Countess Yvonne to come into the garden. 
(Freda starts to exit.) Stay ! Where is her highness? 

Freda. She shust vas go oud on de hill and picked some 
blowers. 

Alex. ( anxiously ). Did one of the guard accompany her ? 
Freda. Ja, madame. Hans vas go mit her. 

Alex. Very well. [ Exit Freda, l. 

Enter Lurine Raje, r. She carries a basket of flowers. 

Lur. Pardon, madam- 

Alex, (looking up from her writbig , annoyed ). Well, who 
are you ? What do you want ? 

Lur. Are you the princess ? 

Alex. No, I am not. What do you want? 

Lur. I want to see the princess. 

Alex, [sharply). What for? 

Lur. I have some flowers for her. 

Alex. Don’t you suppose her highness has plenty flowers 
of her own ? And do you suppose she has time to waste on 
every peasant girl in the hills who has idle curiosity enough to 
want to gaze at her, and will invent any kind of an excuse to 
get into the grounds? Go ! Do you hear? If I see you in 
these grounds again you will have reason to wish that you 

5 




6 


SIX TIMES NINE 


had remained at home. (Countess Yvonne enters L. Lur. 
exits r.) Yvonne, that is one of the things you are to guard 
against. 

Yvonne. What ? 

Alex. The peasants. The common people. Prince Felix’s 
command is imperative that Vara shall have no intercourse with 
them. 

Yvonne. Well, I wasn’t aware that I was employed as her 
highness’ body-guard. I’m sure if her soldiers can’t keep the 
peasants away 1 can’t be expected to do much toward it. 

Alex. You have been chosen as Vara’s constant com¬ 
panion. I’m sure I don’t know why, but as long as such a 
foolish choice has been made, the least you can do to merit the 
honor is your duty. There are strong reasons why Vara must 
be shielded from- 

Yvonne. Oh, Aunt Alexis, come to the point ! There is 
no use in equivocating. Vara’s father wants her safely married 
to Prince Ferdinand before she has any chance to learn the 
truth. You are all afraid to have her learn the conditions ex¬ 
isting among her people. Among the convicts in the mines. 
I don’t wonder. It’s a disgrace to our kingdom. To Prince 
Ferdinand’s, although I don’t believe he is to blame. 

Alex. Don’t talk so loud ! What you say is undeniably 
true. I am glad you understand the situation so well. We 
are an impoverished kingdom, and nothing is going to save us 
but the alliance with Prince Ferdinand. See that you do your 
part by keeping the prince in Vara’s mind and keeping all 
knowledge of the truth from her. She will see Ferdinand 
to-night. I believe you have met his highness ? 

Yvonne. Yes. 

Alex. A charming young man, I have been told. 

Yvonne. Yes, he is. Very. 

Alex. Let us hope he will appeal to Vara. And now 
another thing. I promised Prince Felix that I would talk seri¬ 
ously to you in regard to Vara. Of course, being educated as 
she has been in a convent, the sisters have cultivated in her a 
sweet, lovable, pliant disposition, and studious habits. The 
sisters tell me she is very easily influenced. Her father is 
anxious that you should stay with her the greater part of the 
time and influence her to go on with her studies and lead 
rather a quiet life, until after she is married. You understand ? 

Yvonne (.sighing resignedly). Yes, I understand. 

Alex. Freda tells me that Vara has gone out on the hill. 



SIX TIMES NINE 


7 


I think you had better follow her. I will take my letters up to 
the lodge and get them ready to mail when we go into the city 
to-night. I hope you bear no ill will for anything I have said. 
In speaking of you as a foolish choice I only meant that you 
are a trifle young for the position in which you have been 
placed. It seems to me that under the circumstances some one 
older would have been better. Still you may be successful if 
you think seriously of the situation and regard it from the right 
standpoint. 

Yvonne ( sarcastically ). Thank you. 

[Exit Yvonne, r. ; Alex., l. 

Enter Freda, l. 

Freda (calling). Hans ! Hans ! Haf you koom back mit 
yourself meppe ? No ? (Picks some roses and fastens them 
in her hair ; singing very much out of tune.) “ Oh, I vas lofe 
von fine young fellers. A shoulder poy vas he ! Vas he ! 
Vas he ! Ja ! A shoulder poy vas he ! Oh, I vas lofe von 
fine - ” [Exit, l, 

(After slight pause Princess Vara enters r. She carries a 
book a?id an armful of flowers. She looks about for a 
second as if uncertain of what she wants to do. Sits down 
under the tree. Reads from the book.) 

Vara. 

“Truth never dies. The ages come and go; 

The mountains wear away; the seas retire; 

Destruction lays earth’s mighty cities low; 

And empires, states and dynasties expire 

But caught and handed onward by the wise 

„ . ,, fY vonne enters r. 

Truth never dies. L 

Yvonne (laughing). Dreaming, your highness ? 

Vara. Oh, Yvonne, is it you? Not exactly dreaming. 
I’m only about half asleep. This is pretty, isn’t it? Do you 
believe it is so? Truth never dies? 

Yvonne. I don’t know. Let us hope it does sometimes. 
Just now, for instance. (Shows her a letter.) 

Vara. Yvonne, where did you get it? 

Yvonne. Don’t you wish you knew ? 

(Hands her the letter.) 


I 



8 


SIX TIMES NINE 


Vara. Tell me, please ! Oh, well, if you won’t, it doesn’t 
make any difference. 

(She sits down and becomes co7npletely absorbed in her letter. 

Yvonne sits down by the table and watches her.) 

Yvonne. Pleasant afternoon, isn’t it? Yes, I knew you 
thought so. Enjoy your walk? Glad you did, I’m sure. 
Three is a crowd, isn’t it ? 

Vara ( suddenly waking up). Did' you say anything, 
Yvonne ? 

Yvonne (drily). No, I didn’t say anything. Have you 
studied any this afternoon, Vara? 

Vara. No. 

Yvonne. Aunt Alexis expects me to constantly stimulate 
your interest in works of an intellectual nature. 

Vara. Does she? Well, I don’t seem to care much about 
studying now. I had rather sit under the trees and read 
poetry. Isn’t it strange? 

Yvonne (with a gla?ice at the letter in Vara’s hand). Yes, 
very ! 

Vara. Yvonne, Captain Ferdinand is in the hills with his 
troops. Think of it! Perhaps he is in sight of this place. 
Possibly he can look right down here and see me now. 

Yvonne. Possibly he can if he has gone to heaven. 

Vara. Yvonne, before I go into the city to-night you must 
help me arrange a meeting with Captain Ferdinand. 

Yvonne. I help you? I should think you could do nicely 
without my assistance. You certainly must have been expert 
at arranging meetings in the past. 

Vara. Oh, but that was at the convent and it was easy. 
Here there are soldiers whose duty it is to follow me all the 
time. 

Yvonne. Vara, where did you ever meet Captain Ferdi¬ 
nand ? 

Vara. On the shore of the lake back of the convent. He 
didn’t know who I was, and I did enjoy myself. His troops 
were stationed near there and oh, I saw him lots of times. He 
has just found out who I am and he has written me such a 
letter. He realizes how hopeless everything is and he is never 
going to see me again. That is, he thinks he isn’t. Promise, 
Yvonne, you will help me ! 

Yvonne. Vara, do you know what you are asking of me? 

Vara. Please, Yvonne ! 


SIX TIMES NINE 9 

Yvonne. What good will it do for you to see Captain 
Ferdinand again ? What about Prince Ferdinand ? 

Vara. Don’t talk about him ! I never even saw him. 

Yvonne. Well, you will have that pleasure to-night. 

Vara. A chilly reception he will get. He will be glad to 
travel homeward to-morrow morning. 

Yvonne. Your father will be likely to have something to 
say about that. 

Vara. Yes, but that doesn’t signify. No doubt he will 
talk, but it will be I who will act, and I shall act as I please. 

Yvonne. My goodness, Vara, I don't believe you have ex¬ 
actly the disposition you are credited with having. I’m afraid 
Aunt Alexis for one has a very great shock coming to her. 

Vara. Oh, no doubt because they have educated me in a 
convent they think I am meek and mild and have no mind of 
my own. Well, I have mind enough to know a man before I 
agree to marry him. 

Yvonne. Yes, but an alliance with Ferdinand’s principality 
is essential to Wollenholde. You are expected to act for the 
good of your country. 

Vara. My country ! My country wouldn’t have to live 
with him. I would ! Yvonne, promise you will help me to see 
Captain Ferdinand. 

Yvonne. Heavens ! Yes ! I will promise ! I know what 
madness it is, but I couldn’t refuse you anything to save my 
life. 

Vara. Oh-o-o-o ! ( Throws her arms around Yvonne.) 

And now teach me some more steps. It’s too bad the sisters 
didn’t dance. It would have been livelier in the convent. 

Yvonne. Very likely it would. Oh, if Aunt Alexis should 
ever see me doing this. Well, see if you can get this one. 

(Shows her some steps l) 

Vara. Of course I can. Isn’t that right ? 

Yvonne. Yes. 

( They dance . Vara is delighted. Yvonne is very uneasy , 
and keeps looking L. and R.) 

Vara. Oh, I was born to do this. Will they let me dance 
to-night ? 

Yvonne. I don’t know. Oh, sit down quick ! Aunt 
Alexis is coming ! Where’s that book? 


10 


SIX TIMES NINE 


(They sit down under the tree. Yvonne grabs the book.') 

Vara ( taking the book from Yvonne). You are holding it 
upside down. (Reads.) 

“ And empires, states and dynasties expire; 

But caught and handed onward by the wise, 

Truth never dies.” 

Enter Alex., l. 

Alex. Strange ! As I came down the path I imagined 
that I could see you chasing each other about the garden. 

Vara ( pretefiding to be shocked). Oh, Aunt Alexis ! 

Alex, (to Yvonne). Will you leave us for awhile, please? 
(Exit Yvonne, l.) Vara, I want to talk with you. 

Vara (practicing the steps Yvonne taught her). Yes, Aunt 
Alexis. What do you want to say ? 

Alex. Dear me, Vara, I think I could talk better if you 
were sitting down. 

Vara ( going back to seat under tree). All right. 

Ai.ex. Do you realize, dear child, that to-day is a turning 
point in your life ? 

Vara. Yes. I’m eighteen years old to-day. I’ve come 
out of the convent forever, and I’m never going to learn any¬ 
thing more. 

Alex, (in astonishment). Never going to learn anything 
more ? 

Vara. No. Why should I? All my life I have learned 
and learned and learned, and, oh, my head is so full, and what 
does it amount to ? I know that I am pretty, and if a girl 
knows that she doesn’t need to know anything more. 

Alex. This is dreadful! Dreadful! Your father will be 
excessively shocked. Can’t you realize the situation ? Don’t 
you know where you are going to-night? 

Vara. Yes; down to my capital to a dance. 

Alex. A dance ? Merciful heaven ! The Imperial ball 
given in your honor a dance / Where did you ever hear such 
a word ? 

Vara. In a book I read about some American girls that 
were in a college, and they went to dances and they danced 
with some young men who went to another college. They 
called them fellows, and they were the nicest fellows. I am 
afraid there won’t be any in my kingdom like them. Oh, Aunt 
Alexis, just because I am a princess won’t they let me dance? 


SIX TIMES NINE 


II 


Alex. Possibly you will be permitted to go on to the floor 
with the Prime Minister. 

Vara. What kind of an old fuddy is he? 

Alex. Your highness ! Is that word also from the American 
vocabulary ? 

Vara. Yes. Isn’t it a perfectly splendid word ? It just 
fits some people. 

Alex. Vara, don’t you realize who you are? 

Vara. Realize it? I should think I did ! You don’t give 
me any chance to forget it. 

Alex. Do you want to forget it ? 

Vara. Well, I wouldn’t mind for a little while. The first 
words I ever heard were, “ Remember, you are the Princess of 
Wollenholde ! ” I think they have been said to me at least 
once every hour all my life. You can’t think I have ever had 
very much fun. 

Alex. Fun? To-night you take your place in the Royal 
Palace as the Princess of Wollenholde. You are standing on 
the threshold looking into the future, and you talk of fun ! 
Have you never looked forward to this day and thought what 
you would do when you took your place among your people ? 

Vara. Yes, I know what I am going to do. 

Alex. What, may I ask ? 

Vara. I am going to have a lark. 

Alex. A what? 

Vara. A lark. That’s what American girls have. I don’t 
know exactly what it means but it sounds perfectly splendid. 
I never heard of it until I read that book I told you about, and 
then I made up my mind if I ever lived to see the day I left the 
convent I'd have a lark. 

Alex. Well, I can only say that I am thankful that you are 
going into the city to-night. Possibly Prince Felix will be in¬ 
terested in larks, but I have my doubts. 

Enter Lur., r. 

Vara. Who is this ? 

Lur. Are you the princess ? 

Vara. Yes. 

Alex. Vara, do not pay any attention to the girl. She is 
a nuisance. I have ordered her from the grounds once this 
afternoon. 

Lur. I am one of your people. I have something to say to 
you. I beg of you to listen to me. 


12 


SIX TIMES NINE 


Vara. Why, certainly. What do you wish to say? 

Alex. Vara! 

Lur. I would tell it to you alone. 

Vara. Aunt Alexis, retire if you please. 

Alex. Vara, this is madness ! You will be annoyed to 
death if you listen to every peasant who accosts you. It isn’t 
expected of you. You are not called upon to do it! (To 
Lur.) You shall not impose upon her highness. Go from 
these grounds ! 

Vara. Aunt Alexis, I fear you forget who I am. Retire if 
you please. 

Alex, (aghast). Vara! [Exit, r. 

Vara (looking after her). I really didn’t think I could do 
that. (To Lur.) Did you bring me some flowers? 

Lur. Yes, your highness. 

Vara (takuig the basket). They are very beautiful. I 
thank you. Did you gather them in the hills ? 

Lur. Yes, madame, near our cottage door. 

Vara. I have been walking over the hill this afternoon. 
This is a very beautiful country. I am proud that it is part of 
my kingdom. I just came here yesterday, you know. 

Enter Alex, r., unseen by Lur. and Vara. She goes back of 
tree and stands listeni?ig. 

Lur. And to-night you go into the city, to the palace, to 
live with your father, and you will meet Prince Ferdinand ? 

Vara. Yes, I suppose so. 

Lur. You have lived all your life away from your kingdom. 
Do you know there are mines yonder where convicts work ? 

Vara. Yes, I know. Convicts from my kingdom and 
Prince Ferdinand’s. 

Lur. Princess Vara, on my knees, I beg of you to help the 
convicts ! 

Vara. Help the convicts ? What do you mean ? 

Lur. They are starved, abused, worked to death, and they 
are dying from the damp, filthy hole where they are forced to 
live. Even if they are convicts they are human beings, but 
beasts would be cared for better than they. 

Vara. Do you know what you are saying? 

Lur. Do I know? My father is one of them. 

Vara (sympathetically). Oh ! 

Lur. The officers and soldiers in the mines have hearts of 
stone. Appeals for mercy are in vain. Your father turns away. 


SIX TIMES NINE 1 3 

Prince Ferdinand will not listen. The only hope is in you. 
Will you help the convicts? 

Vara. I will surely try. I don’t know how much I can 
accomplish. My father I don’t know very well, and Prince 
Ferdinand I have never seen. 

Lur. Ah, but you are going to marry him, and he will lis¬ 
ten to you. He will not refuse anything you ask of him now. 
It is to you all Wollenholde is looking for help. In the city, 
among the hills, in the valley, in the mines ! You will not fail 
your people? 

Vara. I promise you I will do all that I can. My first 
thought when I reach the capital shall be for the convicts in the 
mines. 

Lur. Heaven bless your highness. 

Vara. Your name ? 

Lur. Lurine Raje. 

Vara. I will not forget you. 

(Exit Lur., r. Exit Vara, l. Alex, follows Lur.) 

(After a slight pause Freda enters l.) 

Freda {calling'). Hans ! Hans ! Haf you comb back 
mit yourself, meppe ? Oh, shoy! Dere you vas ! Mine 
shoulder poy ! {Euns out r.) 

Enter Delia, r., carrying two suit-cases. She is followed by 
Molly Andrews carrying a suit-case. They drop the 
cases and Delia sinks down hi a chair. Molly looks 
about her. 

Delia. Shure, Miss Andrews, an’ it’s kilt I am entoirely! 

Molly. Oh, you are more scared than hurt! You will 
live quite a while longer. ( Goes R. and calls.) Come on up, 
Lucy ! I think we have struck civilization. 

Lucy Simpson ( outside ). Well, I should hope so. Say, 
Delia, for the love of Mike, come and help me with my suit¬ 
case ! 

Delia. Shure, it’s thruble enough I hed with me own an’ 
the missus’ ! If I can git two of thim up thot hill, I’ll risk yez 
ter bring one. It’s risting mesilf I am, an’ it’ll take a cyclone 
ter budge me ! 

Lucy. Oh, gee ! I’ve skinned my ankle ! 

Molly. I’ll help you, Lucy. 


SIX TIMES NINE 


Lucy. You’re a good fellow, Molly ! Heave ho ! Here 
we are ! (Lucy enters , carrying a suit-case.') Well, if that 
isn’t the limit ! 

Delia. Shure! It’s a hathenish country we’se in ! The 
hills made uv rock insthead uv dirt! 

Lucy. What kind of a place do you think this is, Molly ? 

Molly. Somebody's garden, I should say. There must be 
a house near but I don’t like to go any further without the 
others. Where was Mrs. Hapgood when you came up? 

Lucy. Sitting on a tree stump like a spent balloon ! Be¬ 
lieve me, Molly, it will take a derrick to lift her over that ledge. 

Winifred Tufton (outside, calling). Girls! Girls! 

Molly. There’s Winnie calling. 

Lucy. Well, let her call! 

Delia. Shure! 

Molly {going r. and calling). Winifred, tell Mrs. Hap¬ 
good there’s a garden up here and we must be near a house. 
You girls help her up from below and we will help her from up 
here and I guess she can manage it. Yes, it is steep ! I sup¬ 
pose there’s another entrance to this place but goodness knows 
how you get to it. She had better come up this way if she 
possibly can. 

Lucy. Is she going to try it, Molly? 

Molly. I don’t know. Winnie has gone to tell her. 

Delia. She may git half way but she’ll nivir land. 

Molly. She is going to try it. She’s coming ! 

Lucy. Good-night ! 

Delia. Well, ain’t she game ? 

Molly. Come and help pull her up. 

Lucy. She will pull us down and that will be the finish of 
the entire company. [They exeunt , r. 

All (outside). Just a minute, Mrs. Hapgood ! Give me 
your hand ! That’s it! Pull ! Push 1 

Delia. Shure, yez’ll git here foist thing yez knows ! 

Lucy. Now ! One, two, three ! All together ! 

Molly. There are some seats out here ! 

Reenter Delia, Molly, and Lucy, r., followed by Mrs. Avery 
Hamilton Hapgood, Amelia Lee, and Win. Ame. and 
Win. carry suit-cases. They lead Mrs. H. to seat under 
tree and stand around her fanning her. 

Mrs. H. (out of breath). Mercy ! Mercy ! I—am— 


SIX TIMES NINE 


15 


completely—overcome. I think—I left—my breath—at the 
foot of—the ledge. 

Ame. ( with a polite laugh). You are always so facetious, 

Mrs. Hapgood. 

Lucy. Oh, pickles ! 

Win. ( walking to table'). There must be somebody around 
here. Look at the writing materials. 

(She sits down by table. Ame. sits on garden seat with 
Mrs. H. Molly sits in chair L. and Delia and Lucy 
sit on their suit-cases.) 

Mrs. H. Yes. This certainly does look as if a dwelling 
might be near. Dear me, girls, we are certainly fortunate to 
be living (Delia removes her hat and examines it caref ully) 
and have all of our belongings. We have much to be thankful 

Delia. Shure, thot’s roight! I com’ thru’ widout spilin’ 

me fither. , 

Lucy. I could be more thankful if there was a good square 

meal in sight. 

Win. I agree with you. 

Ame. (starting up suddenly). Girls, I have lost my 
« Immortelles from Tennyson.” Do you think you could help 

me find it, Lucy ? . ,, , 

Lucy Well, what do you think ? I’ve pretty nearly walked 

my feet off, scraped all the skin off my right ankle, bumped 
my left elbow, and I am starving to death. I should worry 
about your “ Immortelles.” 

Mrs. H. Lucinda ! Haven’t I spoken to you about say¬ 
ing “ I should worry ” ? , 

Delia. Shure, yez hev, Mrs. Hapgood, but Miss Simpson s 

forgittery is betther thin her mimiry. 

Mrs. H. There, that will do, Delia ! 

Ame. Have you any idea, Mrs. Hapgood, as to the exact 

location of this garden ? Just what do you think we are in ? 

Lucy. Agony! . ... 

Mrs. H. Lucinda ! I cannot answer your question with 

the accuracy I would wish, Amelia, but we are somewhere 
among the Hohenelbe Mountains in the principality of Wollen- 
holde Young ladies, while I am resting here will be an ex¬ 
cellent time and place for you to make a few notes. 

Girls. Notes? 


i6 


SIX TIMES NINE 


Win. (suddenly). Oh, Mrs. Hapgood, we lost our note¬ 
books ! 

Lucy f ,, ) That’s right I 

Molly | ( t0 S ether > flighted), j We d;d , 

Ame. Oh, all my valuable notes ! 

Mrs. H. Never fear, Amelia, they are not lost. I had 
your books. Take them and make a note of what I say. ( The 
girls are disgusted. They take the books with the air of 
martyrs.) The history of this principality is absorbingly 
interesting. 

Win. It must be. 

Lucy. Set the alarm for seven-thirty, please. 

Delia. Thank hiven, I don’t hev to be afther writin’ 
nothin’ in a book. I kin remimber more than I wants to 
about this hathenish place. 

Mrs. H. Young ladies, I had a most delightful surprise 
for you this evening but now I fear I cannot carry out my 
plan. 

Molly. What were we going to do ? 

Mrs. H. We were going to the Imperial ball at the Royal 
Palace, an affair given in honor of the Princess Vara’s eight¬ 
eenth birthday. 

Girls. Oh, really ! 

Lucy. Goodness ! Let’s walk ! 

Mrs. PI. I have a friend in the city who managed to get 
us a chance in the balcony. 

Lucy. Oh, isn’t that the limit! 

Win. (glancing about at the suit-cases). That’s why you 
insisted upon our bringing our evening dresses with us. 

Mrs. H. Yes. I was afraid the trunks wouldn’t arrive in 
time. 

Win. Isn’t Vara the princess who is expected to marry 
Prince Ferdinand? 

Mrs. H. Yes. 

Ame. Why, how did you know about her, Winifred ? 

Win. Oh, I was told when I was visiting father’s friend 
over in Martinetz last week, you know. 

Mrs. H. To-day is the most interesting one for all Wollen- 
holde. Vara’s mother was the Princess Neressa and she did so 
many odd and unconventional things that she was known as 
the “madcap princess.” She was greatly loved by all her 
people but she was also a great trial to Prince Felix. She died 
when Vara was a small child, and the prince was so worried 


SIX TIMES NINE 


17 


for fear his daughter would grow up to be like his wife, that 
he placed her in a convent where she has been educated. To¬ 
night she goes to the capital for the first time in sixteen years. 
Her people await her coming with deepest interest. They say 
she is exactly like the Princess Neressa in looks. Will she be 
like her in other ways ? 

Ame. How very entertaining ! 

Molly. And we were actually going to see her ! 

Win. Well, isn’t that too mean ! 

Enter Yvonne, l. 

Vvonne (looking about in astonishment}. Why? What? 

Mrs. H. I beg that you will pardon our intrusion. (Vara 
enters l. unnoticed by the others. She stands at back of stage 
listening with great interest .) Let me introduce myself. I 
am Mrs. Avery Hamilton Hapgood, the preceptress of Hap- 
good Seminary, of Concord, Massachusetts, United States of 
America. These are some of my girls and we are making a 
vacation tour of Europe. Would you mind telling me just 
where we are? Is this your garden? 

Yvonne. No, it is not. You are in the garden of Prince 
Felix’s hunting lodge. I am his niece, the Countess Yvonne. 
(Looks from one to the other.) Are—are you making a walk¬ 
ing tour ? 

Mrs. H. No, we are not, although it looks as if we might 
be forced to walk a part of the way. We were on our way 
from Martinetz to your capital. We had a most absurd con¬ 
veyance. The most absurd horse and most absurd driver that 
one could possibly imagine. Just below here two of the young 
ladies who are interested in botany were attracted by some 
unusual specimens. We had the driver stop so that they 
might gather some and we all got out for a change. Some¬ 
thing startled the absurd horse and the first thing we knew the 
whole absurd combination of vehicle, horse and driver were 
tearing down the mountain road at the most frightful pace. I 
tremble to think what has become of them. Fortunately our 
suit-cases were thrown right and left, so we haven’t lost any of 
our belongings but we are in a most unfortunate position. Do 
you know of any possible conveyance to the city? 

Yvonne. 1—why—Pm afraid I don’t just at present. You 
will have to send into the city for a conveyance. An auto 
would be best. It will be some time before any one can get out 



i8 


SIX TIMES NINE 


here and in the meantime I don’t know just what it is best for 
you to do. 

Vara ( coming fo7*ward ). Let me relieve the situation. I 
am sure that Prince Felix would bid you welcome to his hunt¬ 
ing lodge until you can get a car from the city. 

Mrs. H. But isn’t the lodge occupied at the present time? 

Vara. That makes no difference. You are welcome. 

Mrs. H. But how can I feel sure of that ? We do no' 
wish to intrude. 

Vara. I bid you welcome. 

Mrs. H. But have you a right to ? 

Vara. I think so. I am the one who is occupying tne 
lodge. I am Prince Felix’s daughter. 

Mrs. H. Prince Felix’s daughter ? Then you are the 
Princess Vara. 

Vara. Yes. 

Girls ( jumping to their feet'). Oh ! 

Lucv [sliding over the suit-case backward ). Good-night I 

Delia. Glory be ! 

Mrs. H. You are extremely kind and courteous but we 
couldn’t dream of imposing upon your hospitality. 

Vara. Say no more ! You met with an accident almost at 
my very door. It is my wish that you become my guests for a 
few hours. To-night I go into the city. I will telegraph for 
an extra car and you shall go into the city when I go under 
military escort. {Rings bell 071 table. Alex. e7iters l.) Oh, 
Aunt Alexis, this is Mrs. Happy—Happy—well, something 
happy. {To Mrs. H.) What is your name? 

Mrs. H. Hapgood. 

Vara. Mrs. Hapgood. My aunt, the Countess Alexis. 
(Alex, looks anything but pleased and makes a very stiff bow.) 
And these are some of Mrs. Hapgood’s daughters. 

Alex. So77ie of them ? 

Mrs. H. Oh, I beg your highness’ pardon, but these young 
ladies are no relation to me whatever. 

Vara. Why, I was sure you said they were some of your 
girls. 

Mrs. H. Girls in my school. My pupils. 

E7iter Freda, l. 

Vara. Oh, well, anyway they have met with an accident 
and I have invited them to remain here until evening. Mrs. 
Hapgood can explain to you later. Freda, tell one of the 


SIX TIMES NINE 


*9 


guard there has been a runaway on the mountain road. Have 
him find the driver and if he is hurt or even dead, have him 
taken to the nearest house. If this is the nearest, bring him 
here. Tell another of the guard to be ready to take a telegram 
to the station. Then you come up to the lodge for the telegram 
which I will have ready. 

Freda. I vill speak mit Hans. [Exit, l. 

Vara. You see we are rather out of the world up here. 
No telephone, and the nearest telegraph station is quite a dis¬ 
tance over the mountain. 

Mrs. H. I am sure we are causing you a great deal of un¬ 
necessary trouble. 

Vara. Not at all. Let us go up to the lodge. 

Mrs. H. Well, if you insist. 

(Alex. sta?ids as if turned to sto?ie. Vara exits , L. , followed 
by Mrs. H., the girls and Delia.) 

Lucy (as she passes Alex.). Brrh ! It’s chilly around 
here ! 

Alex. Well, I—I—words fail me ! Why didn’t you stop 
her from making such an insane move ? 

Yvonne. I stop her ? Why didn’t you ? It strikes me that 
the Princess Vara is going to do about as she pleases and it 
will take some one besides you or me to stop her. 

Alex. It almost seems so. I wouldn’t have believed it. 
Thank heaven we go into the city to-night and Prince Felix 
can manage his own daughter. 

Yvonne. I fancy he will have his hands full. 

Alex. I never heard of such madness. Take in a party 
of tourists. Absolute strangers and Americans at that! And 
the Americans are such an extraordinary people ! I shall 
actually tremble all the time they are here. 

Yvonne. Oh, Aunt Alexis, they looked perfectly harmless. 

Enter Mrs. H., l. 

Mrs. H. (to Alex.). I want just a word with you. The 
princess looks so young and irresponsible that I don't wish to 
alarm her. Perhaps I am needlessly alarmed, but I think I 
had better tell you. All the way over the mountain I noticed 
groups of your peasants, and they acted suspiciously. That is, 
it seemed to me they did. They didn’t act friendly, and some 
of them were openly carrying weapons. My girls didn’t seem 
to notice and I didn’t say anything, but it was some of the 


20 


SIX TIMES NINE 


peasants who frightened our horse, and they did it intention¬ 
ally. I do not know your language very well, but once I heard 
the princess’ name mentioned, also Prince Felix’s, and some¬ 
thing about convicts. Probably it is all right, but still- 

Alex. It might mean trouble. I will speak to the guard. 
I thank you very much, Mrs. Happygood. 

Mrs. H. Not at all. Hapgood, if you please. 

Alex. Yes, pardon me, Hapgood. 

Mrs. H. ( starting to l. and hesitating). I fear I have lost 
the others. 

Yvonne. I will go with you. 

Mrs. H. Ah, thank you. 

\_They exeunt , l. ; Alex, exits R. 

Enter Win., l. She looks r. and l., and then goes to table. 

Freda enters r. 

Win. Oh, Freda ! Didn’t I understand that your name is 
Freda ? 

Freda. Ja. 

Win. You are going up to the lodge to get the princess’ 
telegram ? 

Freda. Ja. 

Win. The princess is going down into the city to-night? 

Freda. Ja. 

Win. She is going to be married soon, isn’t she? 

Freda. Ja. To Prinze Ferdinand. Dere vill be von pig 
times ! 

Win. I expect so, and a bigger one when you are married. 
Oh, you ! That’s a fine-looking guard down there. 

Freda. Now you shust stop ! 

Win. Is he going to take the princess’ telegram ? 

Freda. Ja. She kin trust him mit himself bedder den 
some oder poys. 

Win. No doubt. Of course he is a good fellow if you like 
him. Say, would you know what to buy for yourself if you 
had the money to buy it ? 

Freda. Shust tried me und see ! (Win. gives her some 
money.) Oh, shoy ! 

Win. Do you think Hans would take a telegram for me? 

Freda {looking at the money). Veil, I tinks meppe. Vat? 

Win. You wait until I write it. {She sits at table and 
writes. Freda ivalks about the garden singing <c Oh , I vas 
lofe von fine young fellers .” Win. hands Freda slip of paper.) 



SIX TIMES NINE 


21 


You needn’t say anything about my telegram to any one but 
Hans. 

Freda. All vite. [She exits l. Win. follows slowly. 

Enter Alex., r. Yvonne enters l. 

Yvonne. Aunt Alexis, do you believe there is anything in 
Mrs. Hapgood’s story of the peasants? 

Alex. I don’t know. I have spoken to the guard. I can’t 
imagine what trouble there could be among the peasants, but 
it’s best to be on the safe side. ( Goes to table and gathers up 
papers ; suddenly leans forward and gazes at the table-cloth , 
very much excited .) Yvonne, is there a girl in this party of 
Americans by the name of Winifred Tufton? 

Yvonne. Yes. She is the one who has just gone up to the 
lodge. She came out here and no one knew where she had 
gone to. Why do you ask ? 

Alex. She has written a message— I should say a tele¬ 
gram—to General Mausgrauv of Martinetz, the commander- 
in-chief of Prince Leon’s army. 

Yvonne ( startled ). What? How do you know? 

Alex. She wrote it here. There was a sheet of carbon 
under her paper and the message is on the table cover. 

Yvonne. What is the message ? 

Alex. Nothing under the sun but “ Six Times Nine ” ! 

Yvonne {in astonishment). Six times nine? 

Alex. See for yourself! I knew it! I knew nothing good 
would come of taking these Americans in ! 

Yvonne. What can be her object in sending that message, 
and to Wollenholde’s enemy ? 

Alex. Oh, I don’t know ! Go, for heaven’s sake, and 
watch that girl! Don’t let her out of your sight while I think 
what it is best to do. (Yvonne exits l. Lur. enters R.) 
You here again ? Haven’t you been told enough times that 
you are not wanted here ? Must I have you driven from the 
grounds ? 

Lur. No, you will not do that! You will listen to me ! I 
have not come back here for you ! I hate you and I do not 
care what becomes of you ! I have come for the princess’ 
sake ! There will be trouble to-night at the mines. The con¬ 
victs are in revolt and the peasants will help them. You nobles 
should have expected it, but you are too much interested in 
yourselves and your own affairs to give a thought to the people 
in the hills. Those in power thought if the convicts were 


22 


SIX TIMES NINE 


half-fed and abused they would never dream of revolt, and so 
they have not kept half enough soldiers on duty at the mines. 
Believe me or not as you choose, once the convicts are out of 
the mines they will come straight here, and it will be easy to 
wreak their vengeance on Ferdinand and Felix through the 
princess. 

Alex. You are talking utter madness ! 

Lur. By my cross I swear that I am telling you the truth. 
Don’t you see that in coming here I am betraying my own 
people to save the princess? I can’t go to the officers at the 
mines and tell this story. If I did I would have to tell how I 
know, and it would mean death to one who is near to me. I 
beg of you to send one of the guard with a message for rein¬ 
forcements for the mines and protection for this lodge. You 
will tell the princess ? 

Alex. No. I can face this alone. It is not necessary for 
any one to know for the present at least. I will send a mes¬ 
senger into the city at once, and you will remain here. 

Lur. No. I can do more outside. They do not suspect 
me of knowing their plans. 

Alex. Girl, I know valor and loyalty when I see it. We 
will talk of this later. The princess is coming ! We must 
shield her at all costs ! Come this way with me. 

[They exeunt , r. 

Enter Vara, l., followed by Win., Lucy, Ame. and Molly. 

The girls are embarrassed a?id ill at ease. 

Vara. I am glad you like my mountains. I like them 
myself, although I never saw them until yesterday. Just think, 
you have seen more of my country than I have seen. 

Win. It is a very beautiful country. 

Girls. Yes, very. 

Vara. Have you seen my capital ? 

Ame. No, your highness. We were on our way there when 
we met with the accident. 

Lucy. We were going to the Imperial ball to-night to see 
you. 

Vara ( pleased ). Oh, were you ? 

Molly. Mrs. Hapgood had a place for us in the gallery. 

Win. Why, perhaps we can go after all, girls. If we go 
into the city when the princess goes we will have time. 

Girls. Yes! Sure! 

Vara. Why, you shall go with me as my guests! 


SIX TIMES NINE 23 

Ame. Oh, we couldn’t do that! It wouldn’t be proper, 
would it ? 

Vara. Of course it would if I say so. You shall be my 
guests and wear my flowers. We will pick them now. 

(She steps up on the garden seat and begins to pick roses. 

The girls gather around the tree and pick a few.) 

Molly. How many shall we pick, your highness? 

Vara. Oh, won’t you please stop being so stiff with me ? 
(She turns and looks dowti at the girls. They move away from 
the tree and stand looki?ig tip at her.) I do so want to be 
friends with you. For weeks and weeks I have been dying to 
meet some American girls. Could—could you teach me how 
to have a lark ? 

Girls. Could we? 

Lucy. Well, leave it to us ! 

Vara. Come, then ! Let’s make it a bargain ! You shall 
teach me how to have a lark, and I will take you to the Im¬ 
perial ball. Is it a bargain? Will you teach me? 

Girls ( each holding a rose toward her as they reply). Be¬ 
lieve us, we will! 


CURTAIN 


ACT II 





SCENE.— Room in the lodge. Exits r. and l., and one at 

c., supposed to open o?ito terrace. A fireplace with fire burn¬ 
ing if possible , table at r., with a box of flowers , chairs and 

so forth. 

(.As curtain rises Freda stands at c. exit lookitig out.) 

Freda (; waving her handkerchief and singing ). Oh, I vas 
lofe von fine young fellers - 

Enter Win., r. 

Win. Freda, did Hans come back? 

Freda. Ja. 

Win. He sent my telegram all right ? 

Freda. I don’d know. Vy you no ask heem ? He vas 
shust downd dere mit hemself. 1 vill sing und he vill be ad- 
dracted ter koom dis vay. 

Win. Don’t you believe it! Let me out quick before he 
runs ! [Exit, c. 

Freda. Oh, I vas lofe von fine young fellers - 

E?iter Delia, r. 

Delia. Shure, an’ what’s the matter wid yez, Dutchie? 

Freda. Who you vas called Dutchie? I tinkslvas rudder 
be Dutch mit myself dan Irish mit yourself. 

Delia. Shure, yez makes me tired ! 

Freda. Veil, den, vy don’d you sit down mit yourself? 
Vat? 

Delia. Shure an’ it’s something yez thinks yez is ! Ain’t 
it, now? 

Freda. I vill shust haf you ter knowd mit yourself vat I 
vorks mit a royal prinzess. Vat vas somedings more dan you 
vas do. 

Delia. Shure, an’ do yez thinks I would be afther doin’ the 
loikes uv thot? We don’t bow down ter no rayility. Shure, 
it’s a free country I lives in. 

Freda. Vat vas von fine ting for you. You vouldn’t be 
24 




SIX TIMES NINE 25 

free in dis country. Dey vould pud you in dere house init 
dere foolish vons. 

Delia. See here, Dutchy, if yez be afther gittin’ frish wid 
me, I’ll- 

Alex. (entering r.). What is the trouble? 

Delia. Shure, Mrs. Hapgood is afther nading some hot 
wather, an’ I come down for it. 

Freda. Vas you tink ve haf hot vater in dere sidding voom ? 
Vat? 

Alex. Freda ! Go with her at once and get all the water 
Mrs. Badhap needs. \_Exit Freda, r. 

Delia. Shure, her name is Hapgood. 

Alex. Yes, certainly. Hapgood. (Delia follows Freda. 
Lur. enters c.) Lurine, you have news? 

Lur. Yes, madam. The trouble has begun and they are 
fighting furiously. The peasants have surrounded the mines 
and are helping the convicts. There are not half enough sol¬ 
diers, and they cannot hold out long. You have received no 
word from the city ? 

Alex. No. 

Lur. The mountain road is completely cut off. Your troops 
will have to fight their way to you. 

Alex. What can we do? What can we do? 

Lur. Do you think all of the guard are to be trusted ? 

Alex. Why, I don't know. They are supposed to be, but 
how can I tell ? Why do you ask ? 

Lur. There is one of the American girls who acts strange. 
She has been talking with Hans of the guard about a telegram 
she sent this afternoon, and she has bribed him to take a mes¬ 
sage to someone in the ravine. Do you know who she is ? 
A small girl with light- 

Enter Mrs. H., r. 

Alex. (to Lur.). Hush ! You may go, Lurine. I will 
see you later. [Exit Lur., c. 

Mrs. H. My dear countess, I want to say just a word of 
appreciation for your hospitality before we start for the city. 

Alex. You must thank her highness, not me. It was she 
who opened the house to you, Mrs. Goodyhap. 

Mrs. H. Hapgood, if you please. I realize that we owe 
much to the princess, but you, also, have been very kind. My 
dear countess, I watched you closely during dinner and I know 
that you are greatly disturbed about something. I beg of you 




26 


SIX TIMES NINE 


to tell me, and let me be of assistance if I possibly can. I 
promise you that I will stand firmly by your side no matter 
what occurs. 

Alex. Yes, yes, I know, Mrs. Hapbad, that you Americans 
are very brave. 

Mrs. H. Hapgood, if you please. 

Alex. Quite so. Hapgood. I am worried. It might be 
best for you to know the truth. If you will come to my room 
I will explain. I do not wish to alarm her highness or the 
young ladies until I have to. {They exeunt , R. 

Enter Vara, l., followed by Freda. 

Freda. Von minit, madam ! {Arranges her dress.') Dere ! 
Dat vas all vite. Oh, madam, you vas look shust like— 
like- 

Vara. Like what, Freda? 

Freda. Like von angels. 

Vara. Thank you, Freda. If I do you have helped me to 
look that way. You are an excellent maid. What did I hear 
you telling Ann this morning about a little crippled brother? 

Freda. Oh, madam, ja ! Mine leetle prother Herman, he 
vas ondly six year olds. He vas haf von fall tree year ago und 
he vas nefer valk sinds. 

Vara. Are you sure he never can walk again? What has 
been done for him ? 

Freda. All vat ve could. Mine father he vas died beford 
it happened an’ mine muther, she vas haf von hard times. 
Now I haf dere blace here to vork mit you I kin helped her 
some more. Vat? 

Vara. Does your mother live in the city? 

Freda. Ja, madam. 

Vara. To-morrow morning we will see what can be done 
for the little boy. 

Freda. Madam, you vas looked liked dere angels und you 
vas von alrety. Vat? 

Vara. No, Freda, I’m not. I wish I was even half of one. 
{Goes to table and takes up box.) What is this? 

Freda. Oh, madam, I vorgot. Von uv Prinze Ferdinand’s 
troobers gif it to Hans ter pring up here. (Vara places the box 
back on the table without opening it.) It vas for you, madam. 
Your highness vas dere goot angels of all Wollenholde. Ven 
you marry Prinze Ferdinand it vill pring dere shoy ter all dere 
pebles. 



SIX TIMES NINE 


*7 


Vara {drily). I dare say. You may go, Freda. (Freda 
exits r. Vara opens box and lifts out some roses and a card. 
She stands a second frowning at the card , puts the flowers 
back in the box , tosses the card after them , walks to c. exit. 
She stands looking out. Yvonne enters r., does not see Vara, 
goes to table , stands looking at floivers.) You can have them 
if you admire them so much. 

Yvonne. Did Prince Ferdinand send these? 

Vara. Yes. 

Yvonne. Vara, I don’t believe you will be so indifferent 
after you have met him. The prince is really a splendid young 
man. 

Vara. He must be to allow human beings to be ill-treated, 
to suffer for the want of proper food and a healthy place to 
sleep in. That I am told is the condition existing in the 
mines. 

Yvonne. Well, I don’t see how you can blame him. He 
has been away at college or traveling for the last four years and 
has just returned to his own country. 

Vara. His prisoners are sent to our mines to work. Do 
you suppose if I reigned supreme that I wouldn’t know what 
was going on in every hole and corner of my kingdom ? 

Yvonne. But the mines are Wollenholde’s property. 

Vara ( scornfully ). Our property ? When he holds them 
as security for the enormous debt we owe his principality! I 
have been taught enough about our affairs to know that Wollen- 
holde cannot meet her obligation. 

Yvonne. But, Vara- 

Vara. Oh, I know what you are going to say! If I marry 
him the debt will be cleared. That my people are offering me 
to the prince instead of the money ! And he is actually will¬ 
ing to take me ! He must be a valiant prince indeed ! He is 
nothing more nor less than a fool ! 

Yvonne. Vara 1 

Vara. Well, he is ! Any man who will agree to marry a 
girl he has never seen is a fool ! 

Yvonne. Well, we will clear the prince of the charge. He 
saw you before he agreed to marry you. 

Vara {in astonishment). He saw me ? What do you 
mean ? 

Yvonne. You understand that it was his father’s wish that 
he should marry you ? 

Vara. Yes. Because my mother was one of their people. 



28 


SIX TIMES NINE 


Yvonne. Ferdinand’s father was ill and they knew he 
couldn’t live long. Ferdinand wanted to please his father but 
he was about the age that you are now and looked at things 
from the same standpoint. He said he would see you first 
and if he was satisfied with your appearance he would agree to 
marry you. 

Vara. Indeed? Indeed? They didn’t give me any 
chance to satisfy myself that he wasn’t cross-eyed or pigeon- 
toed ! 

Yvonne. Well, of course your father accepted for you. 

Vara. Yes, he accepted, but he can never make me marry 
him. I’m the one who has to say “ I do ” and “ I will ” and 
“ I promise ” and all the rest of it ! I am delighted to know 
that I met with his highness’ approval. Where did this most 
fastidious young man manage to see me ? 

Yvonne. He went to the convent, climbed up a trellis to a 
balcony, and watched you through a chapel window one even¬ 
ing at service. You see he was romantic after all. 

Vara. Oh, very ! What an insignificant little nobody I 
have been all this time ! Well, they will see ! Yvonne, you 
remember your promise to me this afternoon ? Prince 
Ferdinand will send some of his guard to act with my guard as 
an escort into the city. Captain Ferdinand will be in charge. 
Oh, Yvonne, perhaps he has already arrived. I can’t go out 
to see. Will you go for me? 

Yvonne. Vara, do you really care for this poor captain of 
the guard ? 

Vara. Yes, Yvonne, I do ! 

Yvonne. I will go, Vara. [Exit, c. 

(Vara stands looking after her for a seco?id; takes a book 
from the table , sits down by the fire .) 

Enter Win., c. Discovers Vara. 

Win. Oh, I didn’t know you were here ! 

Vara. Have you been out ? Is anything the trouble ? 
Can I do anything for you? 

Win. [quickly'). Oh, no ! No, thank you. You dressed 
quickly, didn’t you ? 

Vara. It never takes me long. See, Miss Tufton, these 
are women who have been Princess of Wollenholde before me. 
[Shows her the book.) This is my mother. Do you think 1 
am like her ? 


SIX TIMES NINE 


2 9 


Win. Oh, exactly ! Why, it might be a picture of you ! 

Vara. That was taken the year she died. Just think, she 
only lived two years longer than I have lived. 1 wonder how I 
should feel to know that I must give up my life almost at the 
very start. I—I’m just beginning to think of where I am go¬ 
ing to-night and of the life before me. 

Win. It’s a wonderful thing to be a princess, isn’t it? 

Vara. Well, that’s what the sisters told me from the very 
first but I couldn’t see it that way. I always wished I was some¬ 
thing else. Just a common peasant girl so I could play and be 
free and not have to study. I believe I half wish it still. 

Win. Not really way down in your heart. You couldn’t 
but be proud to know that a people await your coming ready 
to accept you as their own, to love you, be proud of you, make 
an idol of you ! I should think the hardest part would be to 
live up to it and be worthy of their adoration, but perhaps it 
will be your good fortune to have a chance to serve your 
people. 

Vara. You Americans are strong patriots, aren’t you? 
You put your country first, I have been told. Would you— 
would you sacrifice yourself for your country ? 

Win. Yes, if I could be fortunate to have the chance, but 
don’t judge all other girls by me. They are not all as patriotic. 
My case is different. My father is an army officer, my brother 
is at the United States Military Academy, and my mother gave 
her life to save some of her countrymen. 

Vara. Gave her life? How was that? 

Win. My father was stationed at a fort in the western part 
of our country, near an Indian reservation. The Indians were 
supposed to be very friendly, so my father thought it was safe 
for him to go with over half the troops to a reservation some 
miles away where he heard there was trouble. We lived in the 
little village near the fort. My mother heard of a plan among 
the Indians to attack the fort and burn the village. She rode 
across the plain to my father. She had to pass the reservation, 
and the Indians shot her as she rode. She managed to stay 
on her horse and reach my father. She died in his arms, but 
she saved our lives in the village and the lives of the men at 
the fort. 

Vara. Oh, what a wonderful thing to do ! 

E?iter Ame., Molly ami Lucy, r. 

Here is the princess, in here ! 


Ame. 


I 


30 SIX TIMES NINE 

Lucy. And Winnie ! 

Molly. Aren’t we going to be pretty late in starting for 
the city ? 

Vara. It seems so. I can’t imagine why they do not come 
for us. (Looks front one girl to the other.) Oh, I have 
enjoyed having you here ! I never knew any girls but Yvonne, 
and I have never seen her but a few times. I hope I can 
entertain you as well to-night as you have entertained me 
this afternoon. (Yvonne enters c.) Have you come for us, 
Yvonne ? 

Yvonne. Not yet! It won’t take long to run down to the 
city, and the ball doesn’t open until ten o’clock, you know. 

Lucy (standing by c. exit looking out). This house kind 
of gives me the creeps. Way up among the mountains, so far 
away from everybody and everything! If it wasn’t for the 
guard out here I believe I should be downright scared. Almost 
anything could happen here. 

Yvonne. You are as bad as the peasants. They are all 
superstitious of this place. 

Girls. Why ? 

Yvonne. One of Vara’s ancestors was murdered here. 

Girls. Murdered ? 

Yvonne. Yes, a good many years ago. You know the 
story, Vara? 

Vara. Yes. The Princess Irma. 

Ame. How very entertaining ! 

Molly. I’m glad you think so, I’m sure. 

Ame. Why was she murdered ? 

Vara. Revenge upon her father for some wrong the peas¬ 
ants imagined he had done them. 

Win. And why are the peasants superstitious ? Does she 
walk ? 

Girls. Winnie! 

Yvonne. They claim that she does, but I have spent a 
good many nights here and I never saw her. The peasants 
won’t come near the place. I was so surprised to see one in 
the grounds to-day. I was up here with Prince Felix’s hunting 
party a year ago and two of his servants were ill. We tried to 
get some of the peasants to take his place, but they wouldn’t 
come for any amount you could offer. 

Vara. As bad as that ? 

Lucy. Goodness ! Don’t you suppose we will get away 
from here pretty soon ? 


SIX TIMES NINE 31 

Vara. Well, I should certainly think so. (Alex, enters r.) 
Aunt Alexis, why don’t they come for us? 

Alex, (speaking rapidly; is decidedly uneasy and anxious 
to leave the room). I—I have been talking with one of the 
guard. There is something wrong on the mountain road. It 
will be a little while before any one can reach you. You will 
all have to be patient until they can get here. [Exit, l. 

Molly. Dear me ! The ball will be all over before we get 
started. ( Walks about the room.) 

Vara. Hardly! 

Yvonne. No fear of that. It is given in Vara’s honor and 
the guests will be obliged to wait until she gets there if it isn’t 
until next week. 

Lucy. Gracious ! I had rather be a guest up here, I think, 
in spite of the spooks. 

Ame. Molly, do sit down ! You make me so nervous ! 

Molly. Well, when I am ready to go to a place I want to 
start! I hate to wait. 

Win. Well, there is nothing else to do in this case. You 
might as well make the best of it. Think about something 
else ! 

Molly. That’s very easy to say. Supposing you give us 
something to think about it. 

Girls. That’s right ! Go ahead ! Sing to us, Winnie ! 

Yvonne (to Win.). Oh, do you sing? 

Win. No ! 

Vara (to Win.). Sing, if you please. 

Win. But I- 

Yvonne (in a quick aside to Win.). You have to if she 
asks you. 

Win. I do? Well, what do you know about that? 

(Win. sings a popular song , the girls joining in the chorus.') 

Vara. How splendid, Miss Tufton ! You girls do know 
the nicest things to do ! 

Molly (to Vara). Perhaps you could sing to us. 

Vara. Oh, no ! I can’t sing very much, and “ Ave 
Maria ” is about the only thing I ever learned. 

Lucy. Oh, I know ! We will get Delia to sing. She’s 
great ! 

Girls. Oh, yes ! 

Vara (doubtfully). Your maid? 



3 2 


SIX TIMES NINE 


Win. Yes, your highness. You come and help us find her 
and tell her that she must do it. 

Vara. Well, really - 

Girls {not noticing that Vara is not especially taken with 
the idea ). Oh, come on ! 

(Vara hesitates for a second; walks toward the door fol¬ 
lowed by the girl si) 

Yvonne {scor7ifully } as she starts to follow). While you 
are about it you had better find Freda. She sings, too ! 

Win. So I have noticed. \_Exeimt girls, r. 

Enter Alex., l. 

Alex. Yvonne! 

Yvonne {turning back). Yes, Aunt Alexis? 

Alex. What is going on now ? 

Yvonne. Oh, nothing special. The young ladies are try¬ 
ing to occupy their minds until the auto comes for us. I think 
the American girls represent perpetual motion. They never 
seem to have any idea of keeping still for even half a second. 

Alex. I should think not! To think of Vara’s inviting 
them all to the ball! What? Oh, what will Prince Felix 
think when she arrives at the palace with five guests and a 
maid, all strangers and Americans at that? And Prince Felix 
never did love the Americans very much. 

Yvonne. Well, his daughter does ! She seems to be per¬ 
fectly fascinated with them. 

Alex. Fascinated ? That doesn’t begin to describe it ! 
And such extraordinary performances ! If there is any one 
thing they haven’t been through with this afternoon I would 
like to have you mention it ! And Vara with them ! The last 
that I saw before dinner was Miss Simpson with a gun going 
through the manual of arms under the direction of one of the 
guards while her highness sat on the stone wall swinging her 
feet and applauding her efforts. They have been too busy since 
dinner dressing for the ball to have time for any escapades, but 
if we don’t get started soon I shall expect to see Miss Simpson 
blow the house up ! It’s a pity that Mrs. Goodhap- 

Yvonne. Hapgood, Aunt Alexis. 

Alex. Yes, quite right! Hapgood. Did you ever hear 
such a foolish name ? {Begins to walk around the room ; looks 
out c. ; exits several times.) I was about to remark that it’s a 




SIX TIMES NINE 33 

pity she hasn’t more control over her pupils. I can’t see that 
they have the slightest respect for her. 

Yvonne. Oh, yes, they have, I am sure. It’s just their 
American way. Aunt Alexis, are you worried because the auto 
doesn’t come ? 

Alex. Yes, I am, Yvonne! Worried to death! You 
might as well know the truth ! Perhaps you can help me ! 
There is trouble in the mines and among the peasants. I sent 
two of the guard with a message for reinforcements. We didn’t 
dare to send more, for we are poorly protected here. The 
handful of soldiers we have wouldn’t hold but a few minutes if 
trouble should really come. Where is that Tufton girl? She 
worries me to death ! She has sent another message to some 
one in the ravine, and this time I don’t know what the message 
is. Although as far as that goes I might as well not know as 
to know ! Six times nine ! What in heaven’s name can that 
mean ? 

Yvonne. I can’t imagine. Six times nine doesn’t seem to 
convey much of an idea. Miss Tufton is safe just now. She 
is with the girls. 

Enter Mrs. H., r. Lur. enters c. 

Lur. Madam, the guards you sent with the message for re¬ 
inforcements were killed by peasants on the mountain road. 
Your message never reached the city. There is a young cap¬ 
tain out here of Prince Ferdinand’s guard. He has a small de¬ 
tachment with him. He brought the word. He wishes to see 
you. 

Alex. I will go at once. 

Mrs. H. I beg of you to let me go with you. I would like 
to know the real danger, and be of service to you if it is 
possible. 

Alex. Thank you. Come by all means. (Exeunt Mrs. 
H. and Lur., c.) Don’t let Vara know yet. Watch that 
Tufton girl ! [Exit, c. 

Enter Vara, r. 

* 

Vara. Yvonne, have they come for us? 

Yvonne. Not yet. 

Vara. I thought some soldiers arrived. 

Yvonne. Probably a change of guard or something like 
that. 


4 


34 


SIX TIMES NINE 


Vara. Do you know why the auto can’t get to us ? What 
is it that happened on the mountain road ? 

Yvonne. Why — er—I - 

Enter Ame., Lucy, Win. and Molly, r., bringing Delia and 
Freda with them. 

Girls. Here they are ! We found them ! 

Delia. Shure, an’ what is it yez up to now, Miss Simpson ? 
Lucy. Her highness wishes to be entertained. You must 
sing to her. 

Delia. Shure ; sing to her, is it ? 

Molly. If you don’t she will have you beheaded. 

Delia. Behided ? 

Ame. (to Vara). Isn’t that so? 

Vara. Surely. Not only once, but twice. 

Delia. Shure, an’ is Dutchie goin’ ter be in the show, too ? 
Win. Well, not to sing ! 

Freda. I shust bet I kin do as veil mit myself as she kin 
do mit herself. 

Girls. That’s right! Go ahead ! 

(Freda recites .) 

Delia. Shure, I can bate thot by five moiles ! (Sings.') 

(During song Yvonne looks out c., exits several times, is 
very anxious, speaks to Freda. They exeunt, c. Girls 
join in chorus of song and exeunt with Delia at e7id of 
song. Win. runs back.) 

Win. Oh, I have thought of something that will be the best 
lark yet ! 

Vara. What? 

Win. Tell me where to find a sheet and we will scare the 
girls stiff ! 

Vara. A sheet? 

Win. Yes; do you know where there is one? 

Vara. Why, I think I could find one. [ They exeunt, L. 

Enter Yvonne, Alex., and Mrs. H., c. Lur. runs in after 
them. 

Lur. They are coming, madam ! 

(Vara enters l. and sta?ids by door with a sheet in her 
hand unnoticed by others.) 



SIX TIMES NINE 


35 


Yvonne. The convicts? 

Lur. Yes. There isn’t a minute to lose. They would 
have been here before, but the peasants are afraid. They 
think they saw the Princess Irma. 

Alex. We must get the princess away from here at once. 

Yvonne. Where are we going? 

Alex. Into the ravine with Captain Ferdinand and three 
of his men, while our own guard hold the convicts off and 
make them think we are here. 

Mrs. H. I must warn the girls at once ! [Exit, r. 

Lur. I will stay on the terrace. 

(Exit Lur., c. Alex, and Yvonne exeunt , r. Vara goes 
to c. exit.') 

Vara {calling). Lurine ! Lurine ! 

{Throws the sheet onto a chair.) 

Lur. {entering c.). Your highness ? 

Vara. Come here ! What is the trouble ? Why are the 
convicts coming here ? Why are they out of the mines ? 

Lur. {hesitating). Why—your highness—I- 

Vara. Answer me ! 

Lur. The convicts are in revolt. You know I told you 
to-day that- 

Vara. Yes, yes, I know ! But why are they coming here? 
Tell me the truth ! 

Lur. It is because you are here. They wish to be re¬ 
venged upon your father and Prince Ferdinand. 

Vara. The Princess Irma over again ? 

Lur. Yes, your highness. If she ever does haunt this 
place, would to heaven she would show herself to-night. 

Vara {thoughtfully) You think that would keep them 
away ? 

Lur. Oh, I don’t know. I don’t suppose it would now 
that they are started in this direction, yet you never can tell. 

Vara. Why haven’t I been told ? Do they think I am a 
child that I can’t stand with them in danger? 

Lur. It is not that. You must be shielded first and saved 
if possible. God gave you to Wollenholde to be her savior in 
time of trouble; you must not be cut down almost at the very 
minute you are to serve your people. You must go at once, 
your highness ! 




3 6 


SIX TIMES NINE 


Vara. Yes, yes, of course. 

Lur. 1 will watch on the terrace. [Exit, c. 

(Vara takes the sheet from the chair, wraps it about her, 
looks uncertainly from right to left, exits, L. Win. 
enters R. with a sheet half wrapped about her.) 

Win. Princess Vara ! Princess Vara ! 

(Starts for L., hears some one coming, draws the sheet over 
her head and stands at back of stage.') 

Enter Delia, r., Freda, l. 

Delia. Shure, is it ever lavin’ this hathenish place we’se 
goin’ ter be? 

Enter Vara, l., wrapped in sheet. She steals to c. and exits. 

Freda. I will shust haf you knowd - 

Delia ( seeitig Vara going through door). Oh-o-o-o ! 
Freda. Vash it vas? Vat’s dere madder ? (Win. moves 
toward r. exit; beckons to Freda. Freda sees her.) 
Shimny! Vash it vas? Vash it vas? 

Delia. Help ! Help ! Hiven be kind ! 

Enter Ame., Molly and Lucy, r. 

Ame. Goodness ! What’s' the matter ? 

f Shure, we seen a hant! We seen 
{together), j a hant! 

( Vash it vas? Vash it vas? 

Lucy. Goodness sake, cut it short ! 

Molly. What is it you are saying? 

Delia. Shure, Miss Andrews, we seen a hant goin’ roight 
thru’ thot door. {Points c.) 

Freda. Go vay mit yourself! Ish vas goin’ tro dot door. 

{Points r.) 

Delia. Shure, it’s crazy yez is entoirely ! Didn’t I see it 
wid me own two eyes goin’ thru’ thot door ? 

Freda. She ish shust foolish mit herself! Ish vas goin’ 
tro dot door ! 

P EUA 1 (together} 1 Shure > Dutchie - 1 - 

Freda] ' * ' ( Now you shust- 

Lucy. Hold on ! 


Delia 

Freda 





SIX TIMES NINE 


37 


Ame. What is it you saw ? 

Molly. What do you mean by a hant, Delia? A ghost? 
Delia. Shure, miss. I hopes I may nivir see the loikes 
agin ! 

Freda. Ja. Dat ish vite. Goin’ tro dot door. 

(Win. comes to door r.) 

Delia. See here, Dutch, I tell yez - 

Ame. ( seeing Win.). Murder ! 

Win. (jumping into room). Wo-o-o-o-o! (Girls scream 
and ru?i out l. Win. dances across the stage and exits l. sing¬ 
ing.) “ The ghost of the goblin man ! ” 

Enter Yvonne, r., with a sheet in her hand ; looks out c., 
calls. 

Yvonne. Lurine! Lurine! 

(Listens a minute , stands undecided, finally wraps the sheet 
about her a?id exits l. ) 

Freda (running in r., looking behind her). Velp ! Velp ! 
(Starts to exit c. Vara steps in c.) Go vay mit yourself! 
(Starts for r. Vara quickly withdraws. Win. steps in r.) 
Velp ! Shpare mine life. ( Starts for l. Win. withdraws. 
Yvonne enters l.) Velp ! Velp ! (Throws herself onto her 
knees in the middle of stage. Yvonne exits c.) Shpare mine 
life ! Shpare mine life ! 

Enter Ame., Molly, Lucy, and Delia, r. 

Lucy. What’s the matter now ? 

Molly. Did you see it again ? 

Freda. Seed it ag’in? Vat? I seed it tree times. 

Lucy. Three times ? 

Freda. Ja. (Points to doors.) Dere, und dere und 
dere ! 

Delia. Three toimes, is it? Shure, if I was thot bad I 
would be ashamed to admith if. 

Molly (slowly and impressively). Girls, I haven’t seen 
Winifred for quite a while. 

Ame. Why, no ! That’s right ! 

Lucy. I’ll bet that explains the ghost. 

Molly. How perfectly disgusting! Isn’t that just like 
Winifred ? We might have known. 



30 SIX TIMES NINE 

Ame. Well, people don’t always stop to think. 

Efiter Mrs. H., r. 

Mrs. H. Girls, get ready to leave here at once ! 

Lucy. Leave ? Well, I should worry ! I wonder where I 
put my hat ? 

Mrs. H. Lucinda! 

Ame. Has the auto come ? 

E?iter Win., r., without sheet. 

Mrs. H. No, it’s not that. There isn’t time for explana¬ 
tions. We are all in great danger. The convicts are out of 
the mines and are coming up here to kill the princess. They 
are at the foot of the ledge below the garden and nothing keeps 
them from coming up here but a ghostly figure in the garden. 
The peasants are scared off for a while but it probably won’t 
last long. I don’t dare to think what that figure down there 
may be. I certainly never did believe in spirits but they claim 
this place is haunted and- 

Lucy. Haunted nothing ! It’s Winifred ! 

Mrs. H. Winifred ? Down there ? Merciful heaven 1 

Win. ( stepping forward ). I’m nothing of the kind ! I’m 
right here ! I have been frightening the girls but I haven’t 
been in the garden. 

Mrs. H. Quick ! Get ready to leave this place ! 

Enter Alex., r. 

Alex. Where is Vara? Where is your Yvonne? Help 
me find them ! 

E?iter Yvonne, c., with the sheet over her arm. 

Yvonne. Aunt Alexis, have you seen that—that object in 
the garden ? I didn’t know that I lacked courage before but I 
am afraid of that. I went down there- 

Alex. Down there ? What for ? 

Win. ( touching the sheet). What is this ? What were you 
doing with a sheet ? 

Yvonne. Nothing. 

Alex. Yvonne, you were going to try to hold them off? 

Yvonne {impatiently). Why, I just happened to think that 
I might be able to do it but when I came in sight of that object 
I ran back here as fast as I could come. Oh, I’m brave, I am ! 




SIX TIMES NINE 39 

We are wasting time. We must get Vara away from here 
while we have the chance ! 

Alex. Yes ! Where is she? Vara ! Vara ! 

{Exit l., followed by Mrs. H. and Yvonne. Delia and 
Freda follow.) 

Ame. Oh, isn’t this dreadful ! 

Lucy. I should say so ! Ghosts walking in the house, and 
convicts walking outside the house, and spirits strolling in the 
garden ! What a heavenly place to come on your vacation ! 

Molly. I think it is foolish to have the doors all open. 
We ought to protect ourselves while we have to stay here. 
We might barricade this entrance from the terrace. It might 
be a help to the guard after we are gone. 

Lucy. That’s right. Let’s do it! 

( They move all the furniture to the central exit and pile it in 
front of the door , talking all the tune.) 

Molly (standing back and viewing their work with satis¬ 
faction ). There ! That’s fine! Girls, let’s go over in the 
gun-room and get some swords or something! 

Lucy. Sure! Me for a musket! I learned the whole 
manual of arms this afternoon. 

Ame. I always nearly faint at the sight of one but I feel 
like Barbara Frietchie to-night ! ( They exit r. Win. conies 

to c. exit.) Well, for pity’s sake ! ( Tries to push the furni¬ 

ture away.) Girls! Girls! Mrs. Hapgood ! (She climbs 
up from the outside , crawls over the furniture and can't get 
down on the inside. She remains perched on top of a table.) 
Oh, gee ! Girls ! Girls ! (Lur. comes to c. exit. Tries to 
get in.) Look out ! You will push me over ! (Lur. man¬ 
ages to get head and shoulders through the door. Looks up at 
Win. in astonishment.) Oh, what’s the matter? What are 
you doing up there ? 

Win. Making my will ! Girls ! Mrs. Hapgood ! 

Enter Alex, and Mrs. H., l. 

Mrs. H. (in astonishment). Winifred! 

Lur. (to Alex.). Do you know that we are saved ? 
Troops have come ! 

Alex. Thank heaven ! 

Win. For heaven’s sake help me down ! 

Mrs. H. How did you get there ? 


40 


SIX TIMES NINE 


Win. Flew, of course ! Are you going to leave me perched 
up here forever ? 

Alex. Miss Tufton, will you kindly explain the meaning 
of your extraordinary performances since you entered this 
house ? 

Lur. Oh, don’t scold her, madam. She sent the message 
to the ravine that brought Captain Ferdinand here. She got 
Prince Leon’s troops here ! 

Alex. Prince Leon’s ? 

Lur. Yes, madam, from Martinetz. 

Alex. I don’t understand. Miss Tufton, if you please, 
why did you send a message to General Mausgrauv ? What is 
the meaning of six times nine ? 

Mrs. H. Winifred, you had better explain. 

Win. (with a resigned air> telling her story from the top of 
the furniture'). Well, if we must go into details, my father is 
an army officer and he is a friend of General Mausgrauv of 
Martinetz whom I visited last week. One afternoon I rode 
with the general over the mountain into this principality. We 
overheard a conversation between some of your peasants and 
some of the details of to-day’s trouble. The plan sounded so 
preposterous that the general couldn’t believe they really in¬ 
tended to carry it out. He told me that you people laughed at 
his very name and that there was a bitter feeling between the 
principalities. It seems that Prince Leon regrets this and has 
long been waiting for an opportunity to do you a favor and 
make things right. The general didn’t like to send a warning 
to Prince Felix unless he was sure of the truth of his statements, 
so he told me he would have troops near the border line, and 
if I saw anything to indicate trouble among the peasants to 
send him the message “ six times nine” and it wouldn’t take 
long for the troops to reach us. If everything was quiet I was 
to send the message five times four. I noticed many things on 
the way over to indicate trouble so as soon as I had the chance 
I sent him the message “six times nine.” {Looks down at 
the furniture.) I am not responsible for the fact that some 
one tried to move out and if you don’t mind I would like tore- 
turn to the earth. 

(They help her down and move the furniture enough for 
Lur. to enter.) 

Alex. Miss Tufton, I owe you the deepest apology. Your 
message has saved our lives. 


SIX TIMES NINE 4I 

Win. Don't mention it ! I rather think something else has 
gone a long ways toward it. 

{She goes to the center exit and looks out. Unnoticed by the 
others she pushes aside some of the furniture and exits.) 

Alex. Let us find Vara and the young ladies. 

{Exit, r., followed by Mrs. H. and Lur. Vara comes to 
door c. Pushes her way in. Looks at the furiiiture in 
astonishment.) 

Vara {calli?ig). Yvonne ! Yvonne! 

Enter Yvonne, l. 

Yvonne. Oh, Vara, we have been so worried ! Where 
have you been ? 

Vara. Do you know that we are all safe? That Miss 
Tufton sent for help ? They are taking the convicts back to 
the mines. 

Yvonne. Yes, I know ! This has been a terrible experi¬ 
ence for you at the very start. Vara, do you know that Cap¬ 
tain Ferdinand is out here ? 

Vara. Yes, I saw him. 

Yvonne. Oh, you did ? 

Vara. Yes, but I didn't speak to him. 

Yvonne {in surprise). You didn’t ? 

Vara. No. Yvonne, I want you to take him a message 
for me. I was going to write it, but I will not even do that. 
Tell him that he was right when he said that we must never 
meet again. It has all been wrong from the start. I didn’t 
realize it until a few minutes ago, but all of a sudden when the 
danger came I seemed to know that I should be different from 
other girls. That I am here for a purpose, and I must live to 
fulfil that purpose. My own desire doesn’t count, love doesn’t 
count, nothing counts but the thing I really ought to do. 

Yvonne. I will tell him what you say. [Exit, c. 

(Vara goes slowly to the table, opens the box, takes the 
flowers out, suddenly gives the box an impetuous fling 
into a corner of the room, picks the roses up with a deter¬ 
mined air.) 

Alex, {outside). Where A Vara? 



42 


SIX TIMES NINE 


Lucy ( coming to door , R.). She is here. 

Enter Lucy followed by Alex., Mrs. H., Lur., Molly and 
Ame. Lucy carries a gun upside down , Molly has a 
gun and Ame. a sword. 

Alex. Vara, you have given us about as big a scare as the 
convicts. (Win. eiiters c.) Where have you been ? 

Win. Out in the garden trailing around in a white sheet. 
(To Vara.) Own up to it ! 

Alex. ( horrified ). Vara, is what she says true? 

Vara (to Win.). Why did you tell? 

Alex. My heaven ! Think of the danger ! And we try¬ 
ing to shield you from even a knowledge of it! 

Vara. There really was no danger. Men who are afraid 
of a spirit wouldn’t do much. It is to Lurine and Miss Tufton 
that we owe everything. 

Win. You make altogether too much of it. (To the girls. ) 
What in the world were you girls going to do ? 

Molly ( looking at her gun doubtfully ). Well, we didn’t 
exactly know. 

Lucy ( brandishing her gu?i). But leave it to us when the 
time came ! 

Alex. Quite right, Miss Simpson. You certainly would 
have found something to do. I never had a very good opinion 
of Americans, but I assure you my opinion has changed in the 
last two hours. Mrs. Baddyhap, I will never forget you and 
your girls as long as I live. 

Win. (to Vara). Did you know that Prince Ferdinand is 
here ? 

All. Prince Ferdinand ? 

Win. Yes, with some troops. I saw him in Martinetz last 
week, so I recognized him. 

Alex, (starting for door). Why, we must go and- 

Yvonne. Just a minute, Aunt Alexis ! Miss Tufton has 
told a secret. Vara wasn’t to know until she reached the city. 
Vara, it was Prince Ferdinand you met on the shore of the 
lake. There is no Captain Ferdinand. It is Prince Ferdinand 
who has been writing you letters. It is Prince Ferdinand who 
has been in the hills all day and standing guard outside this 
lodge to-night ready to give his life for you. 

Vara (holding the roses tightly clasped in her arms). 
Yvonne, is what you say true? Oh, I can’t believe it! What 
a day this has been ! I thought this afternoon that my greatest 



SIX TIMES NINE 


43 


ambition in life was to have a lark, and after you girls came I 
thought it was to visit America and meet some more girls like 
you. And then to-night I found that after all the height of my 
ambition is to be, like the American girls, true to my country 
and loyal to the people who live under the flag of Wollenholde. 


CURTAIN 














New Plays 

HOW JIM MADE GOOD 

A Comedy-Drama in Four Acts 

By Charles S. Bird 

Seven males, three females; two male parts can be doubled. Costumes, 
modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays two hours. An unusually sym¬ 
pathetic play, well suited to amateurs. Clean and easy to get up. Recom¬ 
mended to high schools. All the parts are good. 

Price, 25 cents 

CHARACTERS 

(As originally produced December 9, 1910 , in the Opera House, 
Natrona, Pa., for the benefit of the Ladies Industrial So «. 
ciety of the Natrona Presbyteria?i Church.) 

Eben Lovejoy, of Hillside farm . . . . C. S. Bird. 

Jim Jones, a farm hand; good as gold . . Edward Lemon. 

Walter Wayne, the new schoolmaster . . . Roy Cook. 

Steve Hammond, a ne'er-do-well; Eben s nephew . Edward Dean. 
Si Staples, landlord of the Hillside Hotel . . Jacob Carr. 

Jabez Elder, a member of the schoolboard 1 Thomas Lardln 
A I ramp, who makes good . . . j 

Mrs. Lovejoy, Eben s wife, who believes in Jim . Agnes Bird 
Lucy Lovejoy, her daughter, whom you can t help 

loving ....... Mabel Snebold 

Cora Harlow, the Lovejoys' “help" ; a born tease. Mary Larson 

SYNOPSIS 

Act I.—Sitting-room at Hillside Farm. 

Act II.—The Lovejoys’ Kitchen. 

Act III.—Office of the Hillside Hotel. 

Act IV.—Same as Act I. 

ALL ABOUT ADAM 

A Comedy in Two Acts 

By Alice C. Thompson 

One male, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, two interiors. 
Plays one hour. A very easy and effective play of that much wanted 
class that calls for more women than men. Just a sweet, clean little play 
iuited to any one that wants something nice and wholesome. 

Price, 15 cents 

AN ALARM OF FIRE 

A Farce in One Act 

By H. S. Griffith 

Three males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, one interior. 
Plays thirty minutes. A capital little piece narrating the incidents of an 
interrupted proposal. All parts good ; one very effective stuttering chan 
acter. Clean, bright and amusing. Can be recommended for schools. 

Price, is cents 








New Plays 


RED ACRE FARM 

A Rural Comedy Drama in Three Acts 
By G or dan P. May 

Author of “Bar Haven," “At Random Run," etc. 

Seven males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior, 
one exterior. Plays two hours. An easy and entertaining play with a 
well-balanced cast of characters. The story is strong and sympathetic and 
the comedy element varied and amusing. Barnaby Strutt is a great part 
for a good comedian ; “ Junior ” a close second. Strongly recommended. 

Price, 25 cents 

CHARACTERS 

Josiah Armstrong, the owner of Red Acre Farm. 

Colonel Barnaby Strutt, “ Crawling Codwollopersd'* 

Jonah Jones, a farm helper. 

Squire Harcourt, who holds a mortgage. 

Harry Harcourt, his profligate son. 

Dick Randall, who seeks his fortune. 

Tom Busby, a traveling merchant. 

Amanda Armstrong, Josian s wife. 

Nellie Armstrong, driven from home. 

Laura Armstrong, a poor, weak sinner. 

Mrs. Barnaby Strutt, the Colonel's ivife. 

*• Junior,” adopted daughter of the Strutts. 

SYNOPSIS 

Act I.— Living-room of Armstrong’s home. Spring. 

Act II.— Garden in front of Armstrong’s home. Summer. 

Act III. —Same as Act I. Winter. 

,THE SPEED LIMIT 

A Sketch in Two Scenes 

By Ernest M. Gould 

Five males. Costumes, modern; scenery, unnecessary. Plays twenty 
minutes. A good-natured and effective skit on automobiling, very funny 
and very easy to get up. It requires no scenery or stage, but can be done 
on a platform just as well. Its fun is extravagant, but it is otherwise 
suited for school performance. Price , 15 cents 

“ WILLIAM ” 

A Farce in One Act 

By W. C. Parker 

Two males, two females. Costumes, modern; scene, an interior. 
Plays twenty minutes. A brisk little piece of the vaudeville order, easy 
and full of laughs. All three parts are good; strongly recommended. 

Price, 1$ cents. 










New Farces and Comedies 


GADSBY’S GIRLS 

A Farce in Three Acts 

By Bertha Currier Porter 

Five males, four females. Costumes modern ; scenery, an exterior and 
an interior. Plays an hour and a half. An exceptionally bright and 
vivacious little piece, full of action. The irrepressible Gadsby’s adven¬ 
tures with the fiancees of three of his friends are full of interest and fun. 
All the parts good. Well suited for High School performance. 

Price , 25 cents 

CHARACTERS 

Richard Stanley, a lawyer. 

Joseph Parker, a clerk. 

Morris Young, a medical student. 

Steve, the farm boy. Friendly , but not loquacious . 

Mabel Parkins, frivolous and dressy ; engaged to Richard. 

Esther Carroll, botanical and birdy ; engaged to Joseph. 

Grace Chester, just girl; engaged to Morris. 

Mrs. Dodge, who takes boarders. 

Maximilian Hunnewell Gadsby, a butterfly. 


THE GIRL WHO PAID THE BILLS 

A Comedy in One Act 

By Nina Rhoades 

Two males, four females. Costumes modern ; scene, an easy interior. 
Plays thirty-five minutes. A clever piece of high class, admirably written 
and suited to the best taste. A pretty little love story, wholesome and un 
sentimental in tone. Well recommended. 

Price , 75 cents 


THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT 

A Play in One Act 

By Willis Steell 

Three males, one female. Costumes modem; scene, an interior. 
Plays twenty minutes. An easy piece of strong dramatic interest, origi¬ 
nally produced in Vaudeville by Julius Steger. Free to amateurs; royaltj 
required for professional performance. 

Price } 15 cents 








New Plays 


LOST—A CHAPERON 

A Comedy in Three Acts 

By Courtney Bruerton and IV. S. Maulsby 

Six male, nine female characters. Costumes modern; scenery, an in* 
terior and an easy exterior. Plays a full evening. An excellent comedy 
with the true college atmosphere but with its scenes away from actual col¬ 
lege life. A breezy lot of college girls in camp lose their chaperon for 
twenty-four hours, and are provided by a camp of college boys across the 
lake with plenty of excitement. The parts are all good and of almost 
equal opportunity, the situations are very funny and the lines full of laughs. 
This is sure to be liked by the young people for whom it is intended, and 
is strongly recommended for high-school performance. Price, 25 cents. 


CHARACTERS 


George Higgins, a Tuft's A. B. 


Ernest S. Swenson 


Jack Abbott, 1 Tuft's sub freshmen, camp- Stanley M. Brown 
r, j ing with Higgins . . Arthur J. Anderson 

Arthur T. Hale 
Ernest A. Larrabee 
Ferdinand Bryham 


Fred Lawton, / ingwith Higgins 
Raymond Fitzhenry, a Harvard student 
Dick Norton, ) „ ,... 

Tom Crosby, f ° ff - hl11 en E inem • • 

Marjorie Tyndall, George's cousin : a 

Smith girl .Helen J. Martin 

Alice Bennett, Dorothy F. Entwistle 

Agnes Arabella Bates, ~ , . . Edith H. Bradford 

Ruth French, Jackson girls Mar j orie L Henry 

Blanche Westcott, J Beatrice L. Davis 

Mrs. Higgins, the chaperon. George's 

mother .Effie M. Ritchie 

Mrs. Sparrow, a farmer s wife. (Not in the original cast.) 

Mandy, } her dau e hte ^- 

SYNOPSIS 


Act I.—The Girls’ Camp at Sherwood, 7 A. m. 

Act II.—The Fellows’ Camp at Sherwood, 8 A. M. 
Act III.—Same as Act I, 10 a. m. 


A BRIDE FROM HOME 

A Vaudeville Sketch in One Act 

By Willis Steell 

Two male, two female characters. Costumes modern; scene, an in¬ 
terior. Plays twenty minutes. A capital sketch of Hebrew life and 
character, combining good comedy with genuine pathos. Moves very 
swiftly and is very effective. Can be strongly recommended for either 
vaudeville use or for amateur theatricals. Price, ij cents „ 








JL Pinero's Plays 

Price, 50 Cents each 


Min.rHANNFT Play in Pour Acts. Six males, five female. 
miw vunnmjij Costumes, modern; soenery, three interiors. 
Plays two and a half hours. 

THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH fcflK 

males, five females. Costumes, modem; soenery, all interiors. 
Plays a full evening. 

TUp PROPIinATP Play in Pour Aots. Seven males, five 
lilEi 1 iU/l LiUniL females. Scenery, threeinteriors,rather 
elaborate; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

THE SCHOOLMISTRESS 

seven females. Costumes, mod* 
em; soenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY II& ta 3 EFSS 

females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a 
full evening. • 

CWETT f A VPNHPP Comedy in Three Acts. Seven males, 
v Yf Lli i Ln V Eil! 1/Eil\ f our females. Scene, a single Interior, 
eostumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

I 

TlIC TWITOnrDDill T Comedy in Four Aots. Ten males, 
I nil 1 liUlvl/JjlYDUL 1 nine females. Scenery, three interi¬ 
ors; oostumes, modem. Plays a full evening. 

THE TIMES Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 


ft full evening. 


Scene, a single interior; costumes, modern. Plays 


THf? WFAKTR CUV Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, 
1 flEi ff EnnLR OLA eight females. Costumes, modern; 
soenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. 

A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE Five males, four females. 

Costumes, modern; soene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. . 


Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

Walter Rafter & Company 

No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 






&«cnt Copula: 


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 


0 018 603 708 fl 


TIE AWAKENING 


THE FRUITS OF ENLIGHTENMENT 


HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR 


AN IDEAL HUSBAND 


Play in Four Acte By C. H. Chahb£B£. 
Four males, six females. Scenery, not diffi¬ 
cult, chiefly interiors; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 
Price, 50 Cents. 

Comedy in Four Acts. 
By L. TOLITOI. Twenty- 
one males, eleven females. Scenery, c?\*vraoteristio interiors; cos- 
tnines, modern. Plays a full evening. Recommended for reading 
oinbs. Price, 25 Cents. 

Farce in Three acts. By 
K. XiABSHALL. Ten 
males, three females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior. 
Aoting rights reserved. Time, a full evening. Prioe, 50 Cents. 

Comedy in Four Acts. By O^cae Wilde. 
Nine males, six females. Costumes, mod¬ 
ern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. Acting rights 
reserved. Sold for reading. Price, 50 Cents. 

Three 
Acts. By Oscab 
Wilde. Five males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenes, two 
interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. Acting rights re¬ 
served. Price, 50 Cents. 

Comedy in Four Acts. By Oscab 
Wilde. 8even males, nine fe¬ 
males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full 
evening. Acting rights reserved. Price, 50 Cent*. 

Play in Four Acts. By Clyde Fitch. Fifteen 
males, four females. Costumes of the eighteenth 
century in America. Scenery, four interiors and two exteriors. Act¬ 
ing rights reserved Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cent*. 

THF ATHFB FFT I OW Comedy in Three Acts. By M. B. Horse. 
iilL vlULa iLLdlMi Six males, four females.' Scenery, two 

interiors; costumes, modern. Professional stage rights reserved 
Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 

THE TYRANNY OF TEARS 

Chambers. Four males, three fe¬ 
males. Scenery, an interior and an exterior; costumes, modern. 
Acting rights reserved Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 

Comedv in Four Acts. Bv 
OscarWilde. Eight male*", 
seven females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors and an 
exterior. Plays a full evening. Stage rights reserved Offered for 
reading only. Price, 50 Cents. 


THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST r ‘ r ” e ,n 


LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN 


NATHAN HALE 


A WOMAN OF NO LMPORTANCE 


Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

Walter i^. I 3 afecr & Company 

No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 


«. - 


■ 


4. CO.. MlNTtM, BOSTON- 







































